Series Details
Three messages from Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s series on Matthew zero in on Christ’s final agonizing hours before His death and His glorious resurrection. But some spectacular events that happened between the two are often overlooked. Pastor Chuck explains these events and more as he teaches how God provides His people with hope in dark times.
Chuck also carefully examines historical evidence to reveal the only explanation of the empty tomb: God raised Jesus from the dead!
The events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing a message of hope that shines even in the darkest of times. In this three-part series, Chuck Swindoll explores the dramatic narrative of Matthew’s Gospel. We journey through the excruciating final hours of the Cross, examine the supernatural events that occurred immediately following the crucifixion, and conclude with the historical evidence of the empty tomb. This series is designed to strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of how God’s power triumphed over death.
Message 1: Those Final, Dreadful Hours
Sermon Summary The final hours of Jesus’ life were marked by a level of suffering that is difficult to fathom. From the violent scourging and relentless mocking to the unimaginable physical pain of the crucifixion, Jesus bore the full weight of human sin. In this message, Chuck examines Matthew 27, focusing on the moment Jesus offered His last breath. We reflect on the depth of the Savior’s love and the extreme cost of our redemption.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Cost of Sacrifice: Understanding the physical and spiritual agony Christ endured on our behalf.
- The Silence of the Lamb: Observing the dignity and resolve of Jesus throughout His trial and execution.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 27:27–50: The account of Christ’s mocking, crucifixion, and death.
Message 2: . . . And Then, What Happened?
Sermon Summary Between the moment of Christ’s death and His resurrection, several spectacular and often overlooked supernatural events took place. Matthew records that the veil of the temple was torn, the earth shook, and tombs were opened. In this message, Chuck explains the significance of these divine interventions. These events serve as a powerful testament that the death of Jesus was no ordinary execution—it was a cosmic shift that changed the way humanity relates to God.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Torn Veil: The significance of direct access to God made possible through Christ’s death.
- Signs and Wonders: How the natural world reacted to the death of the Creator.
- Hope in the Dark: Finding God’s presence in the “middle” moments of life.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 27:51–54: The supernatural events following the death of Jesus.
Message 3: Resurrection: What Happened . . . What Didn’t?
Sermon Summary The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a religious myth; it is a historical reality. In this final message, Chuck carefully examines the evidence of the empty tomb. By looking at what happened—and debunking popular theories of what didn’t happen—we see that the only logical explanation is that God raised Jesus from the dead. This message provides the firm foundation of hope that every believer needs to face life with confidence.
Key Facts & Themes
- Historical Evidence: Analyzing the testimony of the empty tomb and the witnesses.
- Conquering Death: The theological necessity and triumph of the resurrection.
- Living Hope: How the reality of the risen Christ transforms our daily lives.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 28: The narrative of the resurrection and the commissioning of the disciples.
